Lions fans wait for the start of the Monday Night Football game against the Ravens Dec. 16 at Ford Field.

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There have been more losses in a season, and more blowouts, and more injuries, missed tackles and stupefying draft picks. And 0-16 was no fun, nor was the late-night television jokes that accompanied it.

But you had no hope that year. You weren't suckered. Not like you were this year, not even like you were Sunday, when the dysfunctional New York Giants came to town, and you secretly crossed your fingers and told yourself this was still possible. ...